Laser is one of an emerging group of light-based acne treatments that show promise in treating various skin conditions. Since these treatments are relatively new, studies so far have been short-term; however, results have been good for people whose conditions do not respond to more traditional methods. If you've been suffering with unresponsive acne, acne scars, or rosacea, laser acne treatments may offer the relief you're searching for.

How it works.Laser acne treatments use an intense beam of concentrated light to reach the middle layer of the skin. The beams pass through the skin surface without affecting the outer skin layer, and penetrate just far enough to interact with the oil-producing sebaceous glands.

It is believed that the acne laser produces heat only at its deepest penetration, causing injury to the sebaceous glands, which reduces oil production. Since excess oil blocked in the pores is an instigating factor in acne, this therapy works to lessen acne breakouts. Laser also kills the P. acne bacteria that causes the redness and inflammation of pustules.

Laser acne treatment can be mildly painful, somewhat like a warm stinging, so topical painkillers are applied to the skin before the treatment begins. A method of surface cooling may also be used to protect the outer skin from possible damage.

What it's good for.Lasers used for acne are used only on specific acne lesions, but other laser therapies have other benefits. The body reacts to the laser by producing collagen. This plumps up the skin, erasing fine lines and wrinkles. Acne scars are also less noticeable after a laser treatment. Yet another use of laser is cauterizing the tiny veins visible in cases of rosacea.

Considerations.Since laser acne treatment is relatively new, long-terms risks and benefits are not yet known. So far, side effects seem to be limited to temporary swelling and redness or mild drying and flaking of the treated area.

More studies are needed to determine who is likely to benefit most from this modality, although the best results have been seen on adults. Laser therapy may need to be combined with other therapies in order to address each contributing factor in a case of acne.

Acne laser treatment is done in several sessions over a period of weeks or months. Each session can cost up to $200, and since laser is still such a new method of treating acne, many insurance plans will not cover it.